It’s hard to believe, but this was my last day of reviewing the Toronto Fringe for this year! I saw a total of 29 shows over 9 days and what a whirlwind it was (as usual)! Here are my last three reviews, and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend of Fringing ahead!
Photography by Shiah Lints
Plan V: The Rise of Reverence – Dance Naked Creative
Pussy Power Activate! Welcome to Plan V, an underground group in 2035 who wants to help you harness the power of your pussy to spread love, confidence, and most importantly, pleasure around the world! Written by and starring Eleanor O’Brien, Plan V: The Rise of Reverence is an inclusive and empowering show about listening to your body and using that as the root of your health and self-love.
I loved how inclusive Plan V’s messaging is right off the top of the show. The term “pussy” is used very liberally, not only referring to any and all between-me-down-theres, but also to the general attitude that is pussy. That inclusivity is also reflected in the group of characters that’s assembled on the Zype call; sharing their pussy joys with the audience, there are folks of all kinds who speak to the in-person audience (all of whom are played by O’Brien). No matter who you are, you’re welcome at Plan V and you’ll leave ready to take on the world with the compassion, empathy, and love of your own pussy.
O’Brien is charming and engaging as her initial character Mama V. Her southern accent is hilarious and soothing, all at the same time. It gives the vibe of Christian megachurches while actually just being super body and sex positive. When she comes back as another character to give the Ovomonial of the meeting, O’Brien has us hanging on every word as she describes her spiritual awakening. Her vulnerability during that portion of the show is clearly evident and you feel so connected to the character and their story.
If you want to harness the power of your pussy and lead your life with love and empathy, Plan V: The Rise of Reverence is the perfect show for you! Funny, inspiring, and well crafted, this is the epitome of a Fringe show!
Plan V: The Rise of Reverence | Toronto Fringe Festival
Photo by Daniel Gough
Jack Goes to Therapy: A (Somewhat) Romantic Comedy – Zac Williams
Jack’s had his heart broken…badly. His boyfriend of one and a half years has left him for another guy they had a threesome with, and now Jack doesn’t know what to do. Staring down thirty and stuck with an engagement ring and trip to New Zealand, Jack is in a bit of a pickle. Can he figure out what to do before “fateful Friday” when he’s supposed to board his flight? Jack Goes to Therapy: A (Somewhat) Romantic Comedy is a heartwarming story about how going to therapy and opening up to those around him changes Jack’s life forever.
Zac Williams is a charismatic and engrossing storyteller; with just him and a chair on stage, he plays myriad characters and holds the audience rapt for the full 60 minutes. Even the smallest changes in his mannerisms clearly indicate the shifts in character. I love how he plays the little kids in his Kindergarten class – the chaos they create and the different cadence of their voices is perfection.
I love the message of the story about opening up to those around you; everyone’s going through something, and a lot of times we’re actually going through similar things, we’ve just been taught not to talk about them. Jack is able to connect more deeply with so many of the people around him including his roommate, colleagues, and students just by talking about his troubles. Connection and community are vitally important, and it’s wonderful watching the impact it has on Jack.
Brimming with honesty, empathy, and plenty of laughs, Jack Goes to Therapy is an excellent solo show; it gives you all the warm fuzzies you’re looking for from a Fringe rom-com!
Jack Goes to Therapy: A (Somewhat) Romantic Comedy | Toronto Fringe Festival
Photo by Parmida Vand
Me and You and the Highland Coo – Happy as a Clam Productions
In Edinburgh, Scotland there’s a gift shop. And in the window of that gift shop there is a three foot tall Highland Coo plushie and it is calling Jackie and Charlie’s names. So once they’re done with their Master’s programs, they’re going to make the drive from Aberdeen to Edinburgh and they are going to buy themselves that coo…or so they think. Me and You and the Highland Coo is a sweet buddy comedy with an emotionally charged undertone that leaves you longing for more. Turn on the GPS and the tunes, and get ready for a unique and hilarious road trip with your new besties!
Written and directed by Sara Masciotra-Milstein, and based on some of her real life experiences, Me and You and the Highland Coo is part buddy comedy, but also part heartbreaking family drama. Both Jackie and Charlie have difficult things going on back home, and until their visas come through, they can’t go back to Canada to be with their loved ones. These struggles unites the friends while also providing a counter balance of harsh reality to the magic of the Scottish Highlands.
Amy Ring and Brooklyn Melnyk play Charlie and Jackie. Ring has an adorable feistiness which makes me love her immediately. Melnyk is the protective friend, bringing a beautiful sense of empathy and care to her character. Jeremy Lewis is the final piece of the crew as Willow, the GPS, and various characters they interact with. Lewis’ Scottish accent is on point, and watching them change between characters with a different kilt or vest is wonderfully funny. The three work well together on stage and you can tell they’re having so much fun interacting with the audience!
“Get in the car and drive!” and try to snag a ticket for Me and You and the Highland Coo!
Me and You and the Highland Coo | Toronto Fringe Festival
Thank you to my Patrons:
N. Bushnik, S. Fisher, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes, E. O’Brien
And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:
Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, and Jada
Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox
Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox
A View from the Box 